UNISON is the UK’s largest health union. More than 60,000 UNISON members work in the NHS in Scotland: nurses, student nurses, midwives, health visitors, healthcare assistants, paramedics, occupational therapists, cleaners, porters, catering staff, medical secretaries, clerical and admin staff and scientific and technical staff.
UNISON cares passionately about the future of the NHS as a publicly funded service that is free at the point of delivery. The NHS is a public service we can all be proud of, and UNISON wants to keep it that way.
See also important information for workers registered with regulatory bodies.
Speaking up for Scotland’s health workers
UNISON organisers and activists work together to make sure our members’ concerns are heard – whether it’s about pay, health and safety, discrimination or the future of our NHS.
- Offering advice at work;
- Representing our members in the workplace
- Lobbying parliaments and government on issues our members care about;
- Negotiating terms and conditions for NHS Scotland staff;
- Raising professional and local concerns that affect all health workers.
- Standing up for the NHS and broader health services
Health News
Briefing 174 Public Service Reform Update
Public Service Reform (PSR) is the central mission of the newly elected SNP minority government, with the cabinet secretary in ... Read More
Ward clerks at Scotland’s largest regional health board vote to strike, says UNISON
Ward clerks employed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in a dispute over pay ... Read More
When 600 workers said no in NHS Forth Valley
How outsourced NHS workers took on Serco and won When Serco attempted to force low-paid NHS workers at Forth Valley ... Read More
Comment on Audit Scotland’s report into the finances of Integrated Joint Boards,
Commenting on Audit Scotland’s report into the finances of Integrated Joint Boards, UNISON Scotland health lead Matt McLaughlin said today (Thursday): ... Read More
Jeane Freeman had formidable understanding of the NHS
Commenting on the news that former Scottish health secretary Jeane Freeman has died aged 72, UNISON Scotland head of health ... Read More
Inflation figures trigger small pay increase for NHS staff
Commenting on a small rise in pay for NHS staff in Scotland due to an inflation guarantee built into their ... Read More
UNISON Scotland budget response: A budget that fails public services, says UNISON
UNISON's Scottish secretary Lilian Macer said: "Today’s Scottish budget does not go far enough to address the deepening crisis across ... Read More
Response to Audit Scotland’s report into delayed discharges
Commenting on the Auditor General and Accounts Commission report ‘Delayed Discharges: A sign of Wider Challenges in Health and Social ... Read More
Political manoeuvring will not fix the NHS in Scotland, says UNISON
Thursday 13 November 2025 For immediate release Political manoeuvring will not fix the NHS in Scotland, says UNISON Commenting on ... Read More
Briefing 168 – Population challenges for public services and the economy
This briefing looks at the implications of current and projected demographic change. It summarises recent publications from the Improvement Service ... Read More
Latest briefings and submissions
Towards a REAL National Care Service for Scotland – Full Report
With the National Care Service Bill in tatters, this timely report makes a compelling case for the direct public delivery ...
e brief – Update on the National Care Service Bill October 2023
Since its introduction in June 2022, UNISON has campaigned for the National Care Service Bill to be withdrawn. We want ...
NHS staff managing childcare because of school strikes
We are receiving reports that some local managers are telling NHS staff that they should take annual leave or unpaid ...
Winter preparedness – response to Health, Social Care & Sport Committee
This is UNISON Scotland's response to the Scottish Parliament's Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s call for evidence[1] for the ...
Briefing 130 – Consultation on Safe Staffing Statutory Guidance
The Scottish Government is consulting on its draft Statutory Guidance for safe staffing in health and care. The Health and ...
Briefing 129 NHS Pension Contributions Changes Consultation
The Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) is consulting on increasing the overall contribution made by members to the NHS pension ...
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